We have enjoyed a mild winter in the Midwest. Even though it’s March, there are people running outside wearing just a tee shirt and shorts. They trot along with an easy gate, not wary of slipping on ice. The ground is dry.
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:8
How is your work out?
God cares about how we take care of our bodies (and I expect delights to see those of us who can run, expend ourselves). He is even more passionate that we take care of our souls. Scripture doesn’t give us one without the other, but if the physical and spiritual sides of beauty were side by side on one of those old-fashioned balance scales, the spiritual side would definitely win out. God knows that our earthly bodies, along with their beauty, last about as long as spring flowers in a hot desert (see Isaiah 40:6-8). That’s why He gently reminds us that the eternal state of our souls is
more important than having killer abs. First Corinthians 9:24-27 says,
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.
I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
MSG
Run to win
Paul encourages us to live the Christian life as if we’re trying to win the gold medal in the final heat at the Olympics. In order to compete at the Olympic level, you have to be in great physical condition. And in order to be in tip-top spiritual condition, you’re going to have to train hard in God’s gym. As we exercise our spiritual muscles, eternal rewards await.
So get that body moving. Take advantage of all those benefits of physical exercise we talked about. Your body will thank you! And while you’re spending time getting those arms and quads strong, work on your spiritual physique too, because you can take that with you into eternity.
God, thank You for creating my body with the ability to move and play. I want to take care of this body You’ve given me. I want to experience the best this life has to offer, including good health. Jesus, You are the author of my faith. Give me the strength to run this spiritual race well as I keep my eyes fixed on You. Amen.
Click below to dive deeper on true beauty with Jessie Minassian.
